Public News Service

In the latest AARP Wisconsin poll, the most important policy issues for older voters in the Badger State include immigration and border security, the economy and jobs, and inflation and rising prices. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Vice Presidential nominees Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have been holding plenty of campaign events in battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

For the 2024 presidential election, Wisconsin has retained its status as a battleground state. That means voters are hearing a lot from campaigns …

A Wisconsin resident casts a ballot in the state's primary election at a polling location on April 2 in Green Bay. (Photo courtesy of Inside Climate News - Credit Scott Olson/Getty Images)

WI environmentalists campaign against ballot questions on federal funds

By Lydia Larsen for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

National polling shows most Americans closely follow presidential election news but start to feel worn out by the coverage when Election Day draws closer. (Adobe Stock)

Will events of 2024 lead to a reset on the pace of presidential campaigns?

A day after introducing Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris takes her presidential campaign to Wisconsin…

Wisconsin is again considered a battleground state for the presidential election, but civic engagement groups say too much of an emphasis on national races can deter disenfranchised voters from paying attention to local races. (Adobe Stock)

Engaging with the 'reluctant' Wisconsin voter

Early voting begins today for Wisconsin's Aug. 13 primary election and nonpartisan outreach groups said their efforts to convince reluctant voters to …

In the recent debate about the state of democracy, some political scientists said the donor class needs to shift more of its funding to nonpartisan foundations promoting healthy civic engagement. (Adobe Stock)

After Trump assassination attempt, defining democracy gets even harder

The Republican National Convention is underway in Milwaukee and the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump is a focal point. Voters …

In a new AARP survey of Wisconsin voters, nearly two-thirds of older voters say Social Security is or will be a major source of their income. Pollsters said it underscores how big an issue the safety net program will be in the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

WI voters share election views in new post-debate poll

After the much-talked-about presidential debate, pollsters have a fresh snapshot of how Wisconsin voters feel about the leading candidates. Older …

Ballot dropboxes have been used in elections since the 1980s in Wisconsin and other states.<br />(Felipe Sanchez/Adobe Stock)

WI high court rules ballot dropboxes will return

In a significant turnaround, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has reversed its stance on ballot dropboxes - making them legal again in a 4-3 ruling…

In a new survey from Stand Up America, 53% of voters embrace the idea of Congressional action to reform the U.S. Supreme Court and the way it operates. (Adobe Stock)

With survey data in hand, group pushes importance of SCOTUS in 2024 vote

Wisconsin voters are no strangers to messaging about the overlap between election outcomes and the judiciary and before voting in the 2024 presidentia…

While Wisconsin's Supreme Court blocked the use of mobile voting sites for absentee ballots, observers say they're not widely used compared with other types of alternative sites. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court provides clarity on early voting sites

Local election administrators have new guidance from Wisconsin's highest court on alternative early voting sites. A political expert says the timing …

In 2023, college-age voters had a large presence in Wisconsin's high-stakes state Supreme Court election. This year, civic engagement groups believe the demographic will be even more active at the polls. (Adobe Stock)

Long-term strategies unfold to energize young rural voters

As the 2024 election inches closer, candidates and civic engagement organizers are likely to try and connect with younger voters but for college-age …

The guilty verdict in Donald Trump's hush-money case will likely spur more debate about the former president being a frontrunner in the race for the White House, and how his legal issues may complicate the election. (Adobe Stock)

WI organizer: Trump verdict shows key institutions can still function

On the heels of Donald Trump's felony convictions Thursday, a civic-engagement organizer in Wisconsin says the court process that unfolded provides …

The nonpartisan Votebeat organization says in measuring their use, ballot dropboxes have been embraced by both Republican and Democratic voters in various jurisdictions around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court takes up ballot dropbox case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday took up arguments in a highly watched case concerning ballot dropboxes. Supporters of lifting a near-total ban …

The Brennan Center for Justice says women serving in state legislatures are nearly four times as likely as men to experience abuse of a sexual nature. (Adobe Stock)

In politics, women candidates bear brunt of hateful threats, harassment

Wisconsin women have made progress in closing gaps when it comes to being elected to public office. But some voices worry the movement might slow …

As with most presidential elections, Wisconsin is viewed as a

Constitutional amendment highlights WI primary ballot

Early voting is underway for the Wisconsin primary election and while the presidential primaries already appear settled for now, pro-democracy …

Abortion rights and protecting democracy were among the topics highlighted during President Joe Biden's State of the Union address. (Adobe Stock)

WI voter hopes Biden speech leads to more meaningful discourse

From the economy to humanitarian aid, President Joe Biden touched on many topics in last night's State of the Union address. With attention now back …

Political researchers have long noted Wisconsin has had some of the most gerrymandered political boundaries in the country. (Adobe Stock)

WI fair map advocates express confidence in pending political boundaries

Wisconsin is closer to adopting political maps for legislative seats advocates insist would reverse years of gerrymandered districts. One coalition …

A recent survey showed 65% of Americans will likely trust 2024 election results, compared with 54% in April last year. (John Davis/Adobe Stock)

WI elections administrator: Feds need to help bolster voting infrastrucure

Americans are preparing to vote this year in what's described as a "high-stakes" presidential election. But those who oversee the voting process…

As with previous presidential elections, Wisconsin is considered a swing state for the 2024 vote. (Adobe Stock)

As election season ramps up, WI moves into overhaul mode

In 2024 and beyond, Wisconsin could see big changes related to voting. New political boundaries are expected based on a state Supreme Court ruling…

If Wisconsin were to shift election oversight from an independent commission, and effectively give the Legislature the final say on such matters, the plan would take effect just before the 2024 presidential election, in which Wisconsin will once again be a swing state. (Adobe Stock)

Caution urged as WI sees more election policy proposals

Election oversight remains a controversial topic in Wisconsin. Ahead of the 2024 presidential vote, civic engagement leaders hope state lawmakers …

The past two redistricting cycles in Wisconsin have been mired in controversy over accusations of partisan gerrymandering against Republican leaders, who have controlled the process. (Photo courtesy of state of Wisconsin)

WI Supreme Court hears arguments in high-profile redistricting case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court today takes up a much-anticipated case involving the state's political boundaries. Oral arguments begin in a lawsuit …

Conservative-linked groups such as Moms for Liberty have established local chapters in states such as Wisconsin in hopes of getting more supporters elected to school boards. But education observers say voters have had a lukewarm response to the movement. (Adobe Stock)

As other states mull results, recruiting starts for WI school board candidates

While many other states analyze school board races from this week, Wisconsin candidates will soon begin filing paperwork for elections next spring…

Wisconsin's political maps have received an

Pushback builds against WI redistricting bill

People advocating for fair political maps in Wisconsin hope to derail legislative efforts to overhaul the redistricting process. Pro-democracy groups …

Los mapas pol�ticos de Wisconsin recibieron una calificaci�n de

Aumenta rechazo al proyecto de ley de redistribución de distritos de WI

Las personas que abogan por mapas políticos justos en Wisconsin esperan descarrilar los esfuerzos legislativos para reformar el proceso de redist…

Some 80% of female Hispanic voters between ages 18 and 29 voted as Democrats in 2022, as did 89% of African American women in the same age range. (Adobe Stock)

WI Part of Push to Engage With Young Voters

Vice President Kamala Harris is embarking on a monthlong college tour, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison, to hear what students are …

In a new poll from the group A Better Wisconsin Together, 66% of Wisconsin voters say they would rather see the Legislature prioritize education rather than seek the possible impeachment of a liberal state Supreme Court justice. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll: Most Voters Oppose Impeaching WI Supreme Court Justice

Following last spring's election, where Wisconsin voted in a liberal justice to the state Supreme Court, Republican leaders are further exploring a …

After false claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential vote, some states have lowered their risk of threats to democracy by enacting certain safeguards. A new analysis found Wisconsin faces a 'moderate risk' of election denialism. (Adobe Stock)

Analysis: WI Has Yet to Eradicate 'Election Denialism'

Election denialism still could be a problem in Wisconsin and other battleground states in next year's race for the White House, according to a new …

As Trump Case Proceeds, New Legal Fight Looms Over Democracy in WI

This week's indictment of former President Donald Trump has renewed calls to protect core functions of democracy. In Wisconsin, those behind a new …

A private company is pushing a federal regulatory agency to allow for gambling on the outcome of congressional races. But the organization Common Cause says it poses significant risks of bribery and election manipulation. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Democracy Group: Regulators Should Say "No Dice" to Election Betting

Almost a year before the 2024 election, the question of whether bets should be allowed on congressional races is being debated. The idea has civic-…

In recent rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued opinions limiting the scope of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But a new opinion, stemming from a redistricting issue, keeps a key provision of the law in place. (Adobe Stock)

WI Voter-Outreach Group Applauds SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling

Civic engagement groups around the country, including in Wisconsin, are cheering Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a key provision of …

Several civic engagement groups recently fanned across college campuses in Wisconsin in their effort to motivate young voters ahead of the April 4 election. (Adobe Stock)

Youth Voter Groups Won't Rest After WI Supreme Court Race

Early data show young voters were a driving force in last week's Wisconsin Supreme Court election, and civic engagement groups said they are not done …

Wisconsin Republicans have weakened the powers of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and his attorney general. Advocates say that has made it harder for the state to pursue environmental cases in court. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court Race Outcome Also Linked to Climate Issues

As the state of Wisconsin analyzes the outcome of this week's state Supreme Court election, environmental advocates are hopeful about what it means …

Campaign contributions for this year's Wisconsin Supreme Court race have more than doubled the previous record for a state-level judicial election. (Towfiqu Barbhuiya/Pexels)

WI Supreme Court Race: Record Spending Leads to Reform Calls

Leading up to this week's election, Wisconsin voters have been inundated with campaign ads for the high-profile state Supreme Court race, and …

Campaign contributions, fueled by out-of-state donors, are expected to shatter records for the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. The top two vote-getters in this month's primary will go on to the April election. (Adobe Stock)

Backers of WI Supreme Court Candidates Make Big Push

The race to fill a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat is drawing a lot of regional and national interest. And it's not just analysts; candidates are …

Advocates and activists from both the liberal and conservative sides are trying to encourage voter turnout for the upcoming state Supreme Court race, given the impact the outcome will have on the court's ideological balance. (Adobe Stock)

Informational Tour Kicks Off for WI Supreme Court Race

Wisconsin's primary election is two weeks away, and a high-profile state Supreme Court race is on the ballot. Several advocacy groups are behind a …

Grassroots Campaign Underway for 'Final Five Voting' in WI

Polls often show dissatisfaction among voters with the current political system. An emerging alternative to standard elections is getting some …

Mary Lynne Donohue, co-chair of the Sheboygan County Democratic Party, speaks with Sheboygan City Clerk Meredith DeBruin on Nov. 8 at Democratic Party headquarters in Sheboygan. (Coburn Dukehart / Wisconsin Watch)

WI's Political Boundaries Tilt Even More to GOP; What Happens Now?

By Matthew DeFour for Wisconsin Watch.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for Wisconsin Watch-Public News Service C…

A bill approved by Congress repeals the federal Defense of Marriage Act. That law, passed in 1996, prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. (Adobe Stock)

WI Attorney: Bill Underscores Legal Needs of Same-Sex Marriages

Congress has signed off on a bill that preserves federal protections for same-sex and interracial marriages. A legal expert in Wisconsin says it …

In recent years, Wisconsin Democrats have had some success in statewide elections, but analysts say partisan political maps have made it hard for them to pick up seats in the Legislature. (Adobe Stock)

WI Election Watchdog: Results a Mixed Bag for Democracy

The long-term effects of Wisconsin's redistricting process were once again highlighted in this week's elections. A nonpartisan good-government group …

In Wisconsin, polling places are open on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Adobe Stock)

WI Voters Urged to Know Their Rights for Election Day

Heightened political tensions have hovered over this election season. For Wisconsinites headed to the polls tomorrow, voters' rights groups say …

A new poll of rural voters in battleground states found people who

Poll Shows Rural Voters Have Grim Economic Outlook

By Tim Marema and Sarah Melotte for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Service for the Public News Service/Daily Yonde…

Wisconsin is among a dozen states that election experts noted have strict voter ID laws. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Voter ID Law Remains a Focal Point for Pro-Democracy Groups

As policy analysts point out Wisconsin has one of the strictest voter ID laws in the country, a nonpartisan group is carrying out efforts to help …

Wisconsin often is seen as a battleground state in national elections. For the midterms, political analysts say election oversight in the Badger State could dramatically change based on outcomes of certain races. (Adobe Stock)

WI Democracy Group: Don't Be Deterred by More Election Chaos

With a few weeks left before the midterm elections, a flurry of legal wrangling continues in Wisconsin over such matters as absentee ballots…

Wisconsin se ve a menudo como un estado de campo de batalla en las elecciones nacionales. Para las elecciones de medio t�rmino, los analistas pol�ticos dicen que la supervisi�n de las elecciones en Badger State podr�a cambiar dr�sticamente seg�n los resultados de ciertas contiendas. (Adobe Stock)

WI Democracy Group: No se desanime con el caos electoral

A pocas semanas de las elecciones de mitad de período, continúa una oleada de disputas legales en Wisconsin sobre asuntos como las …

According to a new poll, 90% of voters 50 and older in Wisconsin say they're extremely motivated to vote in the November election, with issues such as inflation on the top of their minds. (Adobe Stock)

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Those 50 and older make up more than half of Wisconsin's registered voters, and a new statewide poll shows they want candidates to hear their …

This year, more than 70% of attempts to restrict library resources targeted multiple titles. (Adobe Stock)

Banned Books Week Observed in Wisconsin Libraries

Controversial books are nothing new, but the incidence of book challenges and bans has increased substantially in recent years. This week marks the …

Milwaukee's city budget process typically begins in late winter or early spring, and then wraps up with a final vote in early November. (Adobe Stock)

WI's Biggest City Has Representation Problem During Budget Planning

The budget process for Wisconsin's largest city is ramping up, and there are concerns residents in underserved areas will not receive as much …

Wisconsin's new public information campaign about how elections work will launch in September, and run through October, concluding around the November election. (Adobe Stock)

WI Public Information Campaign to Teach Folks about Elections

In the next few months, the Wisconsin Elections Commission will roll out a new public information campaign aimed at teaching voters more about how …

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WI: Civic Engagement & Voting